Parthenia Hall to Richard Yates

To his Exelency Gov. Yates

Springfield Illinois

Dear Sir,

I noticed an article in the Register last evening, in reference to a trip to Pittsburg Landing; to bring off the sick and wounded soldiers belonging to the state of Illinois.

I could not help seeing, that it referred to the trip, you were kind enough to indulge me in going along; as nurse, and also in the hope of finding my sons (who are in the U.S service & one of which I know was there during that battle)

I should consider myself an ungrateful wretch, after all the kindness you extended to us, & all the pleasures you sacrificed for the benefit, and comfort of those on board, I mean (the sick wounded and lowly in position)

if I could calmly read that article, and withhold my testimony to the contrary. Who among that party could have witnessed the dignified bearing and unassumed modest deportment of Mrs Major Reynolds, and be so jealous and envious of the commission she so worthily obtained, and utter such base falsehood and calumny, ought to be branded as cowards, and traitors, I had never either seen or heard of her previous to her coming on the boat; but I saw in her much to admire, and nothing to be condemned; by the most fastidious eye; I was but a silent spectator of everything on board the boat, except so far as my duties as volunteer nurse may be considered; with no expectations, nor aspirations, higher than the desire to prove my loyalty to my country and set an example that would encourage my sons to do their duty disinteredly and honorably, therefore, I saw through eyes

undimmed by the green eyed monster and no matter what the consequences are to myself would refute every word of the base calumny against all the party. I well recollect that some of us were asked to go on board another boat to care for those on board but we were so few that I thought we should be needed where we were and refused to go (I think you never knew of this circumstance) but these circumstances connected with that request and the person who made it that would not add to the lustre of the character it would represent but of which I deemed it prudent not to speak until the newspaper article again brought it to mind and knowing which I would not have gone on board that boat even if I had been obliged to get home as best I could since my return here I have had much of this kind of talk

thrown into my face by persons who pretend to hold position but who are not worthy to tie the shoe strings of your honor heretofore I have been one of the opposite party to yourself and confess that calumniators had prejudiced me against you but your disinterested kindness and the real feeling I saw you show for the poor suffering of our humiliated countrymen inspired me with the highest respect and gratitude for yourself and those who aid you at the commencement of the war myself and friends laid aside party spirit and contend for loyalty to the old flag I taught my son that I adhere to it still I believe I have served faithfully and had it not been disinterestedly might have made a great display of some services which I have rendered for many times I have risked my own life to aid loyalty and can bring the evidence from persons now holding high positions in Government affairs

I am well aware that my position in life is too lowly for my testimony to have influence and that the publication of such testimony might make matters worse instead of better but it may not be amiss for you to know that I am grateful for favors while

I would scorn cringing to obtain them and that no bribe nor persuasion can cause me to by word or action to give credence to such base highhanded falsehood as that article contains & woman as I am I would scorn a policy and party that must resort to such means to maintain itself. I cannot be supposed to be influenced by any motives but those of honor and the highest respect for yourself and those who you saw fit to favor with your company at that time) as my sons are too young to hold office and my self am not in a position to excite either their jealousy or envy neither is it to gain publicity but to show your honor that one at least will not endorse one of the base falsehoods published against you in that article I gave myself my friends and

all I have to loyaly maintain the old constitution and the old flag while I have life and strenght and I will become an outcast in society and despise the honors I might otherwise obtain and teach my sons so if that society cannot embrace a code more honorable than the one contained in the article published in the Register and said to be copied from that respectable paper the world will your honor excuse me and read this as a tribute of gratitude and the highest respect and believe me

Ever Your Respectful & obedient Servant

Mrs Parthenia Hall

Springfield May 25 1862

Mrs P Hall

Springfield

May 25th 1862